New book pays tribute to Limerick’s ‘Saints and Seekers’
A BOOK that will have people “encouraged by the quality of life and love” in Limerick is set to become a much enjoyed, and unvarnished stocking filler this Christmas.
Edited by Limerick Diocesan Archivist David Bracken, ‘Of Limerick Saints and Seekers’ is a compilation of Limerick personalities who gave spiritual and social guidance over generations, both at home and abroad.
The book is composed of short stories featuring over 50 diverse characters journeying through 1500 years of scholars, poets, martyrs and missionaries.
Bracken describes his work as a “surprising collection” from a variety of faith traditions and perspectives, from early Ireland to the present day. The ‘surprise’ as he puts it, being that the book doesn’t shy away from the dark side.
"It is very honest celebrating people in or of Limerick who impacted lives so positively, but not ignoring other less savoury sides."
The book is divided into ten chapters, each mostly covering five personalities - some who will be known to readers, like St. Íte from early Ireland, and more recently John Paul II.
Bracken added that: “not all mentioned in this book are officially declared saints but they were seekers and certainly holiness can be detected in them.”
As written by Dr Jessie Rogers – the first woman and lay Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical University Maynooth – the characters whose stories are told in the book had roots or put down roots in Limerick with others setting out from Limerick to impact the world.
The book was recently launched by Dr Liam Chambers, Head of Department & Senior Lecture at MIC and can be purchased in locations on O’Connell St, Sarsfield St and Crescent Shopping Centre.